WYSIWYG NEWS - 17 July, 1999
Brian Harmer
Copyright - Brian Harmer
*****
Yet again untimely death has caused me to stray from my favourite
city, this time all the way to Auckland. My sister-in-law, Anne
Lorraine Bidwell (nＦ Barton) died very suddenly last week at the
early age of 46. Anne was one of those lovely people whose eyes
and face were ever smiling. She made a positive difference in all
she did. I mourn her passing and I grieve for the pain that her
loss has caused to her husband Paul and to their children Daniel
and Joanne, to her parents, her brother and sister, and to her
colleagues and pupils at Cockle Bay Primary School where she was
Assistant Principal. The extended families on both sides are big,
and in the days before the funeral, we gathered from all over New
Zealand and from Australia.
Some of us ended up at one stage, sitting on the little rock wall
between the grass and the sand at Howick Beach, there to
contemplate life's mysteries, and perhaps to rage against the
unfairness which robs us of such a warm and constructive member of
our family and society. Despite our grief and anger, the world
continued around us. This was in all other respects a perfect
sunny Saturday. Kiwi home-owners were in full domestic swing, with
mowers, leaf blowers and chain saws audible in various directions.
Birds sang loudly in the plentiful trees which are typical of this
neatly groomed and landscaped suburb. Somehow it seemed
unreasonable that the world did not share our feelings, and I
wanted to adapt W.H Auden's poem (if you saw "Four Weddings and a
Funeral you will remember it) which includes the lines in quotes:
"Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone..."
Silence the mower and the chainsaw's noisome drone
"Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come."
Still the gulls which squabble on the beach,
Hush the wavelets' ripple just beyond our reach
Write in the sand that she is dead, no more will teach,
How now to grieve the loss she is to each?
... but I am no Auden, and the real and most moving tributes were
made later at her funeral on Tuesday at Cockle Bay School where
about 500 members of her family and friends and many of the
children she so loved to teach, laughed and cried as they shared
memories of a warm and wonderful person.
But for the moment, there we were on the edge of the beach,
looking across the flat calm water, at a picture-perfect seascape.
In that detached numbness which comes with grief, I wondered how
the yachts in the far distance near Motuihe Island had sufficient
wind to move. Across the water on the Beachlands side of the
estuary, yachts moored in one of Auckland's many marinas gleamed
white in the sun. Beyond, the hills of Waiheke were that bluish
colour which comes with distance, and a ferry load of tourists
were in transit at a good clip. Somehow the sheer loveliness of
the scene made it all the more poignant that Anne was no longer
there to share it with us.
Rest now, Anne, your pain is over.
On with the news:
Monday,12 July
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOCAL SCIENTISTS CONFIDENT OUR BREAST MILK IS OK
------------------------------------------------
A scientist involved in a study on toxins in New Zealand breast
milk is confident Kiwi kids are getting a good deal by world
standards. Doctor Michael Bates from Wellington's Institute of
Environmental Research is commenting in the wake of a British
report, which found breast-feeding babies were ingesting 42 times
the safe limit for dioxins. A New Zealand study, which involved 40
women 10 years ago, is now in the process of being reviewed.
Doctor Bates says a decade ago New Zealand fared well by
international comparisons. He suspects the levels will be even
lower this time thanks to improved handling techniques and the
phasing out of some chemicals. The survey results are expected
before the end of the year.
NZ FIRST SUPPORT FOR ELECTRICITY BILL STILL WAVERING
----------------------------------------------------
New Zealand First is still refusing to say whether it will support
the legislation aimed at controlling prices charged by electricity
line companies. There has been a minor amendment suggested by
select committee that there should be limits on what electricity
retailers charge for such things as meter disconnection fees.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the meter charges
issue is merely a gesture and still does not think the legislation
will go far enough. The Government needs New Zealand First or
Labour's support because ACT opposes the bill.
FLETCHER ANGRY AT JAFA REFERENCES
---------------------------------
Auckland's mayor says it is time the rest of the country got rid
of its "JAFA" complex......JAFA being short for "Just another
flaming Aucklander" It symbolises the sometimes derogatory way the
rest of the country refers to the City of Sails. Mayor Chris
Fletcher's welcomed her counterparts from around the country to a
Local Body Conference in the Aotea Centre today by assuring them
they have no need to feel threatened by Auckland's size and
diversity. She says Auckland is a very large part of New Zealand,
and what is good for the city is also good for the country. Mrs
Fletcher says the country's largest industry, Tourism, is about to
get a huge boost from the new facilities Auckland is building to
host international mega-events such as APEC and the America's Cup.
The Under 17 World Soccer Championship, which will on its own
attract a world TV audience of 300-million.
(If Aucklanders ever wondered why the rest of the country reacts
as it does, look no further than the mayor's arrogant and
erroneous belief that "what is good for the city is also good for
the country". To quote Sherman Potter, "bullpucky"! - BH)
WELLINGTON AMBULANCE SERVICE RULES OUT SECURITY REVIEW
------------------------------------------------------
While shocked at the vicious attack on two staff, Wellington's
Free Ambulance Service says it is unlikely to review security.
Female paramedics attending a call-out at a Porirua Marae early
yesterday were attacked by a group of teenagers - one has been
left with a broken nose, the other has broken an arm. Ambulance
Service CEO Steve Nickson says it is deplorable that members of a
vital emergency service should be treated in this manner. Mr
Nickson says there was nothing to suggest the call-out may have
been an ambush. He says, staff are well trained in personal safety
and if there is any suggestion of trouble, police are asked to
attend as well.
(I am happy to report that the police very quickly arrested and
charged two people with this offence - BH)
CAA GROUNDS WESTAIR FLYING
--------------------------
The Civil Aviation Authority has grounded Hokitika operator
Westair Flying. It has suspended Westair's licence to carry
passengers. The CAA is investigating the operator as well as its
management of two other operators who were attached to its
licence. One is a West Coast-based helicopter operator, the other
is a Fielding aircraft operator flying between the North and South
Islands. The suspension follows a CAA audit that showed a lack of
good management practices, supervision, and maintenance control.
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION DENIES "CRONYISM" CLAIMS
--------------------------------------------
The Medical Association says that the medical profession's duty to
the public will always come before loyalty to colleagues.
Chairwoman Dr. Pippa MacKay is replying to criticism from the
outgoing Health and Disability Commissioner, Robyn Stent, who is
accused senior doctors of covering up their colleagues' mistakes.
Dr. MacKay says Robyn Stent's attack came as a bolt from the blue.
She says the Medical Association has had regular meetings with Ms.
Stent and she never voiced such criticism before. Dr. MacKay says
she is not quite sure what prompted Robin Stent's criticism.
(The great lies just got another candidate: (a) The cheque is in
the mail. (b) This will not hurt a bit. (c) Of course I will
respect you in the morning! (d) Doctors do not look after their
own. I guess it would be unfair to suggest that this problem was
unique to doctors, it just seems they are better at it than most
professions. - BH)
Tuesday, 13 July
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NZ FIRST LAYS DOWN CONDITIONS FOR SUPPORT OVER BILL
---------------------------------------------------
New Zealand First has laid down its conditions for supporting the
Government's bill to regulate electricity lines company prices.
The bill will fail unless New Zealand First supports it now Labour
has pulled the plug on its support. Winston Peters wants the
legislation to cover retailers as well, and for an immediate
inquiry to be conducted into power pricing structures. Mr Peters
has told our political staff an immediate inquiry with acceptable
terms of reference being conducted could see New Zealand First
supporting the bill as it stands.
(Short of a rabbit popping out of a hat, it looks as if this bill
is headed for defeat. - BH)
UNITED UNHAPPY OVER METHOD OF ALLOCATING ELECTION FUNDS
-------------------------------------------------------
The leader of one of the smaller political parties is concerned
about the way the money for taxpayer-funded election broadcasts is
distributed. United New Zealand receives nearly $37,500 dollars to
spend on television and radio. A number of other parties have been
allocated $18,000 piece; among them Animals First and McGillicuddy
Serious. United leader Peter Dunne questions whether what he terms
"fringe parties" should get anything. The Electoral Commission
which distributes the money says it has to make allocations to
minor groups because no party is allowed to spend its own money on
airtime.
(Hello? Fringe parties? I trust Mr Dunne will return the $37,500
forthwith - BH)
HOWARD LOOKS TO WTO FOR HELP WITH FREE TRADE
--------------------------------------------
Australian Prime Minister John Howard says he accepts the US
decision on lamb tariffs will not be reversed - but says he still
wants the World Trade Organisation to address freer trade.
The comment follows a meeting between Mr Howard and US President
Bill Clinton at the White House today, at which the US decision to
impose tariffs on New Zealand and Australian lamb was top of the
agenda. Mr Howard says he explained his concerns to the president,
who accepted it had angered Australia and New Zealand. John Howard
says while nothing has changed - the wider issue will still be
pursued through the WTO.
SUPPORT FROM CHRISTCHURCH GPS FOR ENDOSCOPY PATIENTS
----------------------------------------------------
Christchurch GPs are moving to reassure endoscopy patients who are
caught up in an infection scare at Canterbury Health. More than 13
hundred patients have been advised to undergo blood screening
tests after it was found that a pump used to disinfect endoscopes
broke down earlier this year. Dr Paul McCormack of the Pegasus
Medical Group says their 228 GPs will seek to provide support and
answers to those patients affected. He says as well as carrying
out the blood tests they will be explaining the situation to
patients more fully.
NATIONAL DROPS IN LATEST POLL
-----------------------------
National has fallen further in the latest One Network News Colmar
Brunton poll. The government sees its support drop three points to
38. Labour gains two to 44, while the Alliance is unchanged on
six. ACT is steady on five, while New Zealand First is also
unchanged, on two per cent. Today's poll would give Labour 57
seats in Parliament, and the Alliance eight. National would have
49 and ACT six.
CLAIMS TERM "MANA" USED INAPPROPRIATELY BY JUDGE
------------------------------------------------
Prominent Maori Activist Titewhai Harawira says the judiciary
should not use the term "mana" as it is uniquely Maori. She is
condemning the ruling of Judge Thomas Everitt who cited loss of
mana in discharging a man charged with domestic assault. Ms
Harawira says she is angry at the ruling, as it does nothing to
help the rights of women. However she says the real issue is the
judge's use of the word "mana". She says the judiciary and other
corporate bodies have no right to the term as it cannot be fitted
into a corporate Pakeha structure.
(Mrs Harawira is talking nonsense. I agree with her right to be
angry over the ruling ... I too thought it was a grave error on
the part of the judge to use the concept as an excuse for domestic
violence. It is fatuous however, for Mrs Harawira to reserve words
in her language if the reverse privilege does not apply - BH)
DICK DARGAVILLE RESIGNS NATIONAL PARTY VICE PRESIDENT
-----------------------------------------------------
Dick Dargaville has resigned from the post. In a statement
released a short time ago, Mr Dargaville says his decision to quit
follows his appearance before the courts several weeks ago in
relation to a domestic incident. Mr Dargaville says he was
discharged without conviction and his name suppressed. He says he
does not accept the findings of fact made by the judge, but says
he could not appeal because he had not been convicted of anything.
(Mr Dargaville has revealed himself as the man whose lawyer
successfully argued that his loss of mana would be excessive
punishment for a case of domestic violence, and won name
suppression. - BH)
NORM WITHERS' REFERENDUM TO BE HELD ON ELECTION DAY
---------------------------------------------------
It has been confirmed that Norm Withers' anti-violent crime
referendum will be held at the same time as the general election.
Justice Minister Tony Ryall says by holding the referendum at the
same time as the election, the government will save around 8
million dollars in administration costs. Norm Withers launched the
petition for a referendum after his mother was beaten up during a
robbery in his menswear shop in Christchurch.
ROBYN STENT TO INVESTIGATE ENDOSCOPY SCARE
------------------------------------------
Consumer rights are at the centre of an investigation by the
Health and Disability Commissioner following the endoscopy health
scare at Christchurch hospital. Commissioner Robyn Stent has
confirmed her office will investigate whether there has been a
breach of the Patients' Code of Rights after disinfection
equipment failed at Canterbury Health earlier this year.
Robyn Stent says the Commission will check that public safety was
not breached. She says the Commission has contacted Canterbury
Health asking for relevant documentation to help complete its
inquiry within a reasonable time span.
MAX BRADFORD TO TALK TO NZ FIRST OVER POWER PRICE BILL
------------------------------------------------------
Energy Minister Max Bradford is refusing to accept defeat on the
power bill which would control electricity lines company prices.
With Labour refusing to support it, the Government must rely on
the support of New Zealand First. Winston Peters wants the bill to
cover retail companies as well, something Mr Bradford is refusing
to do. However the New Zealand First leader has hinted he is open
to negotiation. Mr Bradford says he will be talking to Mr Peters,
but in the meantime is scathing of Labour pulling the plug, saying
it is just playing politics.
ACT, NZ FIRST UNHAPPY OVER TV FUNDING
-------------------------------------
Smaller political parties are already grumbling about the amount
of money they have been allocated for publicly-funded election
broadcasts. The Electoral Commission has given more than half the
two million dollars on offer to Labour and National. They each
receive just over half a million dollars. The Alliance gets
$168,000, while ACT receives $112,000, and New Zealand First gets
$93,000. ACT is unhappy, because it is not allowed to spend its
own money, and the amount it has received will only buy about 15
prime time television ads. And New Zealand First leader Winston
Peters says his party gets four and a half percent of the
allocation yet polled more than thirteen percent at the last
election
Wednesday, 14 July
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LINES COMPANIES DENY 'CONNING'
------------------------------
Labour Energy Minister Max Bradford is accusing lines companies of
conning Labour to vote against the Government's bill to control
lines company charges. He says they have convinced Labour to allow
them to lock in excessive charges as part of their price freeze.
However Ken Forrest of the Electricity Networks Association says
that is rubbish, and all charges by various lines companies would
stand up to scrutiny by the Commerce Commission. And he laughs off
the allegation that Labour has been conned. He says Labour simply
took the trouble to talk to a wide range of lines companies and
investigate the issue.
MAJORITY OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES SURVIVE SOUTH POLE DROP
----------------------------------------------------
A smashed ultrasound scanner was the only major loss in the South
Pole supply drop to help a woman who found a lump in her breast.
The scanner was among a raft of medical supplies dropped to the
research station to assist with the 47 year old woman's treatment.
National Science Foundation spokesman Peter West says staff at the
research station have been assessing the contents of the six
packages over the last day. He says a digital microscope and
telecommunications equipment got through as well as enough drugs
to treat the woman for the next few months. Mr West says they hope
to airlift the woman out in October.
SUPERMARKETS BACK IDEA OF PHOTO ID WHEN BUYING ALCOHOL
------------------------------------------------------
Supermarkets are supporting the idea of a photo ID for those
buying alcohol, fearing far more draconian laws will be passed if
they do not. The Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill is currently before
parliament. It includes the issue of a photo ID, lowering the
drinking age, and the prospect of alcohol being available on
Sundays. Foodstuffs chief executive Hugh Perrett says the
supermarkets have decided to support a photo ID because it seems
the only viable option. He says the other options, including
looking at separate check outs, are intrusive and frustrating for
customers.
SHOW ME THE BOAT PEOPLE - MYLES
-------------------------------
New Zealand First MP Gilbert Myles says the legislation passed
under urgency to deal with boat people arriving on our shores has
turned into a costly blunder. A month after the law was rushed
through, there is still no sign of the boats carrying Chinese
refugees which were allegedly heading this way. Mr Myles says
Immigration Minister Tuariki Delamere has made a costly blunder,
with over $80,000 of taxpayer money used to search for the boats.
MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX WITHOUT TELLING HIV POSITIVE
-----------------------------------------------------
A 36 year old man has admitted having unprotected sex with a
female partner without advising her he was HIV positive at the
Christchurch District Court. He is the fourth HIV positive person
to be charged with being a Criminal Nuisance this year but the
first to plead guilty. The court heard how after being diagnosed
as HIV positive in 1993 the man began a relationship with a woman
in 1995. The woman laid a complaint after the relationship broke
up and has not been infected with HIV. Remanded on bail until July
29th the man could be sentenced to up to 3 months jail. He has
been granted interim suppression of name until tomorrow.
ASH SURVEY SHOWS INCREASE IN TEENAGE SMOKING
---------------------------------------------
A new survey shows significantly more teenagers are smoking now
compared to a few years ago. The survey, conducted by ASH, shows
the number of fourth formers who smoke once or more daily has
jumped from 11.6 per cent in 1992, to 14 per cent in 1998. Young
Maori girls show the greatest increase - with 38 per cent smoking
in 1998 compared to 31 per cent in 1992. ASH director Trish Fraser
says the exact reasons for the increase are not clear. However,
she says possible causes include smoking in movies, a rise in
youth incomes, and peer pressure.
TEACHER CONDUCT CONCERN TO BE DISCUSSED AT HUNTLY MEETING
----------------------------------------------------------
A public meeting will be held at a Huntly total immersion Maori
school this afternoon over allegations of misconduct by teachers.
Education Review Office staff arrive today to investigate the
allegations made by Huntly GP, David Gilgen against the Rakaumanga
kura kaupapa. Dr Gilgen says he represents the concerns of around
10 local families with children at the school. He says the meeting
will be a good place for people to air their grievances outside of
a court. The school's principal, John Heremia, says issues raised
by Dr Gilgen are either exaggerated, or have already been dealt
with. East Timor Independence Committee spokeswoman, Maire
Leadbeater says the UN needs to appoint peacekeepers and Kiwis
should be involved.
Thursday, 15 July
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPTON DEFENDS GOLDEN HANDSHAKE CRACKDOWN DELAY
-----------------------------------------------
State Services Minister Simon Upton is defending why it has taken
the Government so long to crack down on golden handshakes.
Labour deputy leader Michael Cullen says the Auditor General
relayed concerns to Jenny Shipley when she was State Services
Minister in 1997. But Mr Upton has hit back by saying today's
package was commissioned by Mrs Shipley back in 1997.
HIDE ALLEGES IRD PAID CONSULTANT $27,500 PER WEEK
-------------------------------------------------
ACT MP has alleged in Parliament that the IRD paid a consultant
$27,000 a week. Mr Hide says the consultant, advising Commissioner
Graham Holland, was paid over $600,000 for 900 hours of work.
John Luxton, answering on behalf of the Prime Minister, says he
could not confirm those figures. But Mr Luxton says the department
is achieving large cost savings and if that meant spending what he
refers to as a "little bit of money" on consultancy then it is
worth it.
(It turns out that the IRD made a mistake and misreported the
facts, and that the actual work was nearer 2,700 hours for that
price. Interesting though that Mr Luxton was prepared to defend
$667 per hour for consultancy when he believed that was what had
been paid. - BH)
HOUSING NEW ZEALAND ADMITS DELAY IN EVICTION
--------------------------------------------
Housing New Zealand concedes it could have moved sooner to evict
rent striker Len Parker from his Auckland home. Mr Parker has been
protesting against market rents for the past six years. Police
removed him from his home on Balmoral Road today, more than a
month after he barricaded himself in. Housing New Zealand area
manager Margrit de Man says with hindsight, the agency may have
waited too long to act. However she says they did want to work
with Mr Parker to resolve the situation. Margrit de Man says
Housing New Zealand is now looking for new tenants for Mr Parker's
former home.
(To get in past the barred and bolted doors and windows the police
removed tiles from the roof and sawed an entry through the ceiling
of the house - BH)
LUXTON SAYS SPEED ON DAIRY BILL NECESSARY
-----------------------------------------
Food and Fibre Minister John Luxton says the speed in getting
through legislation to pave the way for the mega dairy co-
operative is necessary. The opposition is critical that the
special select committee will have just six weeks from today to
receive and consider submissions. But Mr Luxton says the industry
has asked for the bill to be progressed as quickly as possible and
that dairy farmers are missing out on potential total extra
earnings of a million dollars a day until the co-op is created.
TELECOM TO FIGHT PHONE CARD RULING
-----------------------------------
Telecom is going to fight the Disputes Tribunal ruling ordering
them to refund the value remaining on a Whangarei man's phone
cards. Colin Edwards took the phone company to the tribunal over
phonecards which will soon be outdated when an upgrade of
payphones goes ahead. The cards are not being replaced or
refunded. Telecom spokeswoman Linda Saunders says it was not aware
of yesterday's hearing and it wants another hearing or to appeal
the decision.
(Ms Saunders did no favours to herself or to Telecom when she
appeared on the Holmes show and attempted to defend Telecom while
at the same time she gagged herself from answering any meaningful
questions. The claim that Telecom did not receive notice of the
action is frankly unbelievable. - BH)
DRIVER LICENCE FEES, POWER, BEHIND INFLATION RISE
-------------------------------------------------
A rise in electricity prices is one of the main factors in a rise
in inflation in the June quarter. The Consumer Price Index was up
0.2 per cent, following two consecutive falls. Prices are 0.4 per
cent lower than they were in June 1998. Excluding credit services,
prices rose half a per cent in the past three months. Power rose
nearly four per cent, contributing to nearly half the overall
increase in the CPI.
DOONE ARGUES FOR RETAINED NATIONAL POLICING STRUCTURE
-----------------------------------------------------
The police commissioner has rejected a call for policing to become
a local affair. Bob Harvey of Waitakere City in Auckland says he
has backing from fellow mayors for a move to bring community
policing under the control of local bodies. But Commissioner Peter
Doone says a national structure needs to be retained, as crime
does not respect boundaries. However he says the police review
provides local police managers with authority to tailor services
to the needs of their areas.
(Interesting debate. I am opposed in principle to the idea of
local law enforcement. This is a small country with a finite set
of crimes and a finite need for enforcement. On the other hand as
we watch the present system making experienced police redundant,
even as crimes remain unsolved, something has to change. Of the
four senior CIB officers - detective inspectors - in Christchurch
only two will keep their jobs ... this is bizarre... BH)
HEAVY RAIN WARNING
------------------
The MetService is warning this afternoon that very heavy rain is
heading for some parts of the North Island. The Coromandel
Peninsula is likely to bear the brunt of a weather front that may
dump up to 120 millimetres on rain on the region in the next 15
hours. The Western Bay of Plenty and the ranges north of Gisborne
can also expect significant rain in the next 12 to 15 hours.
TODDLER HOSPITALISED AFTER HOUSE FIRE IN AUCKLAND
-------------------------------------------------
An 18 month of toddler has been hospitalised in a serious
condition after a house fire in the Auckland suburb of Mount
Wellington. Fire officers says the blaze broke out this morning in
the living quarters above a dairy. The fire was well ablaze when
they arrived - however they managed to pull the toddler to safety.
The child is suffering severe smoke inhalation.
Friday, 16 July
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WINZ MANAGER SUSPENDED AFTER HIRING PLANES
------------------------------------------
WINZ chief executive Christine Rankin says a manager who she
suspended this week mislead her and other senior managers about
travel arrangements amounting to $165,000. The suspended employee
is being investigated for an incident in which its understood
several planes were chartered to fly people to a leadership
training course in Wairakei. Ms Rankin says WINZ is responsible
for $12 billion of taxpayer money - and is absolutely committed to
seeing that is spent in a responsible and prudent way. She says it
is totally unacceptable to have any misuse of taxpayer money - or
for any staff member to abuse her trust and bring the department
into disrepute.
(This was a real odd performance. The WINZ manager who was
suspended was not doing anything that corporates don't do by
scheduling a leadership course at Huka Village Estate ... not to
be confused with the much more expensive Huka Lodge ... indeed I
have attended such a course there myself. The bizarre aspect was
the chartering of aircraft from an airline that has no base in
Taupo. Ansett had to fly in a ground crew to help turn the BAe 146
and the Dash 8 around. It has been asserted that it would have
been cheaper to have put all 120 or so staff on scheduled flights.
- BH)
BSA UPHOLDS COMPLAINTS AGAINST TVNZ AND FINES IT
------------------------------------------------
The Broadcasting Standards Authority has upheld two complaints
against Television New Zealand and fined it a total of $8,000. One
complaint relates to the television programme 'You Be the Judge',
which featured the outcome of a DNA paternity test while the six
year old boy concerned sat watching in the studio audience. The
other complaint related to an edition of 'Holmes', when a child
with attention deficit disorder was restrained in front of the
camera. As well as paying the fine, Television New Zealand must
broadcast the decision.
(While I applaud the findings I wonder if there is some tribunal
to which we can drag the person who had the idea of a people's
court fronted by Genevieve Westcott in the first place? - BH)
CHARGES FOLLOW FEBRUARY SEWER DEATHS
------------------------------------
Occupational Safety and Health says it took the perspective of the
families into account in making the decision to charge three
companies following the death of three workers in an Auckland
manhole. Kenneth Karu, Eddie Rehia and Darren Skeen died in
February when they were overcome by toxic fumes. Metrowater,
Stargate Services and Aquatech New Zealand have been charged under
the Health and Safety in Employment Act. OSH general manager Bob
Hill says in their view all three parties failed in their
responsibilities to provide a safe workplace.
COROMANDEL TRAVEL TRICKY
------------------------
Motorists planning to travel in the Coromandel area are being
urged to think twice about travelling tonight, especially if their
route includes the Thames / Waihi area. Police say that while
State Highways 2 and 25 are passable at the moment, high tide in
the Waihi area is at seven o'clock tonight. They say it is likely
that continued rain and the high tide will cause serious problems
for traffic. Motorists are being encouraged to delay travelling in
this area.
MORTGAGE ADVISER SENTENCED FOR FRAUD
------------------------------------
An investment adviser who obtained mortgage of nearly $200,000 by
misleading a bank has been sentenced to one hundred and twenty
hours community service. Lynette Jones pleaded guilty in the
Christchurch District Court to using a document with intent to
defraud. She provided the bank with falsified details of her
income, financial commitments and birthdate. The court was told
the bank had suffered no loss as she was continuing to meet her
mortgage payments.
(Every embezzler who ever borrowed money from an employer to bet
on the horses intended "no loss" - BH)
LABOUR ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OVER INCIS WARNING
--------------------------------------------
Labour claims alarm bells should have been ringing in ministerial
heads when an Audit Office report highlighted concerns over
spending practices on police computer projects. Police spokesman,
George Hawkins, says police were in the middle of the 100 million
dollar INCIS computer project when the Audit Office warned that
financial authority had not been obtained for some police
spending. Mr Hawkins alleges that despite the warning, the Police
Commission committed to 20 million dollars worth of spending on
computer technology, when the minister had only authorised ten
million. Mr Hawkins claims the government failed to demand
accountability over the issue.
THE FINANCIAL PAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: 15 July 1999 Brian Dooley
Wellington New Zealand
CURRENCIES
~~~~~~~~~~
The currency codes given below conform to ISO 4217, which
can be found at http://www.xe.net/currency/iso_4217.htm.
The rates given are for telegraphic transfer and are
as given in the Wellington Evening Post today.
To Buy NZD 1.00
USD 0.5271
AUD 0.7977
GBP 0.3372
JPY 63.76
CAD 0.7807
EURO 0.5178
FRF 3.3942
DEM 1.0128
HKD 4.1007
SGD 0.8973
ZAR 3.2472
CHF 0.8315
INTEREST RATES (%)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call : 4.50
90 Day: 4.74
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*****
See you next week.
--
Brian M. Harmer
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~bharmer/
Bruce Hamilton
>TEACHER CONDUCT CONCERN TO BE DISCUSSED AT HUNTLY MEETING
>
> A public meeting will be held at a Huntly total immersion Maori
> school this afternoon over allegations of misconduct by teachers.
[ snip ]
> The school's principal, John Heremia, says issues raised
> by Dr Gilgen are either exaggerated, or have already been dealt
> with. East Timor Independence Committee spokeswoman, Maire
> Leadbeater says the UN needs to appoint peacekeepers and Kiwis
> should be involved.
Wow!. This story grows fast. Next week, should we expect NATO to
be heading to Huntly?. Brian, this fatuous response is really only
intended to confirm that some of us do read your articles, and
presumably someone's knife slipped during the cut/paste.
Bruce Hamilton
Brian Harmer
Bruce Hamilton <B.Ham...@irl.cri.nz> wrote in message
news:B.Hamilton.1...@irl.cri.nz...
> Brian Harmer reported...
>
> >TEACHER CONDUCT CONCERN TO BE DISCUSSED AT HUNTLY MEETING
> >
> > A public meeting will be held at a Huntly total immersion Maori
> > school this afternoon over allegations of misconduct by teachers.
> [ snip ]
> > The school's principal, John Heremia, says issues raised
> > by Dr Gilgen are either exaggerated, or have already been dealt
> > with. East Timor Independence Committee spokeswoman, Maire
> > Leadbeater says the UN needs to appoint peacekeepers and Kiwis
> > should be involved.
>
L.C. Watson
> A 36 year old man has admitted having unprotected sex with a
> female partner without advising her he was HIV positive at the
> Christchurch District Court.
I knew no good would come of those new waithing-rooms with the
comfortable couches.
Lyndon Watson
Frank van der Hulst
> CAA GROUNDS WESTAIR FLYING
> --------------------------
> The Civil Aviation Authority has grounded Hokitika operator
> Westair Flying. It has suspended Westair's licence to carry
> passengers. The CAA is investigating the operator as well as its
> management of two other operators who were attached to its
> licence. One is a West Coast-based helicopter operator, the other
> is a Fielding aircraft operator flying between the North and South
> Islands. The suspension follows a CAA audit that showed a lack of
> good management practices, supervision, and maintenance control.
Presumably that should read "Feilding"? In which case, I at a bit of a
loss. AFAIK, there's only one aircraft operator at Feilding (Feilding
Aviation) and they have their own license. What's more they don't
particularly fly between the N & S Islands -- their main activity is
flight training.
--
fra...@ee.cit.ac.nz Frank van der Hulst
My home page is http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~frankvdh